In the heart of the Indian state of Gujarat lies a sleepy village that has undergone an astonishing transformation over the past five years. It all began with the inauguration of the imposing Statue of Unity, an 182-meter bronze statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the ‘Iron Man of India,’ on October 31, 2018.
Kevadia village has evolved into what is now known as Ekta Nagar, or the ‘City of Unity,’ thanks to the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority. As we approach the 148th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, the village’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of visionary development.
The Statue of Unity, with its height mirroring the number of seats in the Gujarat Assembly, has turned Ekta Nagar into one of the state’s top tourist destinations. Visitors flock to the area, not only to witness the grandeur of the statue but also to explore the surrounding attractions, including the Gir Sanctuary, Rann of Kutch, Pavagadh, Somnath, Dwarka, and Ahmedabad.
Tourism Boom After Statue of Unity
This transformation is far more than cosmetic. Ekta Nagar has seen a surge in annual tourist footfall, from 4.5 lakh in 2018 to over 20 lakh today. The village now boasts a railway station, international food chains, luxury hotels, an avant-garde tent city along the Narmada riverbanks, and an administration on par with a municipal corporation.
While Kevadia village was once the epicenter of vocal opposition against the construction of a dam on the Narmada River, today, all remnants of its rustic past have vanished. Local vendors who once sold roasted corn, wafers, and samosas to picnickers at the dam have made way for food courts and hotels, in line with Ekta Nagar’s growing reputation as a tourism hub.
In the shadow of the colossal statue, an entire ecosystem has sprung up to cater exclusively to the needs of tourists. Ekta Nagar now hosts numerous attractions, including the Valley of Flowers, jungle safaris, cacti, butterfly and medicinal plant gardens, and river rafting. It’s a far cry from the days when tourists would visit only during the monsoon season.
Ekta Nagar New Offerings
Furthermore, the town has embraced modernity with open arms. A sole local restaurant has given way to an international food chain, making it a go-to destination for dignitaries and ministers attending national conferences. Helipads now dot the landscape, serving as frequent landing spots for VIPs.
The road to the statue from the railway station passes through Ekta Mall, an air-conditioned emporium of state handicrafts and handlooms. Arogya Van, a nursery of medicinal plants, is managed by a team of women from one of the 21 villages under the authority’s jurisdiction. They now run a canteen that serves visitors, offering a taste of local culture. The opportunity created by the tourism circuit has resulted in the emergence of homestays and eateries operated by local residents, turning the area into a bustling economy.
This transformation hasn’t been limited to Ekta Nagar; it’s visible along the 90-kilometer four-lane highway leading to the tourist attraction. What was once a canopy of banyan trees has now given way to upcoming residential projects, including villas, homestays, tent accommodations, and luxury hotels.
Local Businesses Thrive in Ekta Nagar
While local residents initially opposed the Sardar Sarovar Dam project, the surge in tourism has softened their stance. Nearly 4,000 locals and individuals from nearby states have created jobs in various roles, including sanitation workers, railway staff, security guards, tourist guides, and more. The once-seething anger over land acquisition has now transformed into optimism and hope for a brighter future.
Ekta Nagar is gearing up for the October 31 celebrations, with a focus on environmental sustainability. The Authority plans to transition the city into an “EV City” with battery-powered vehicles, a move announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day in 2021. The introduction of new attractions, including 30 electric buses, will not only make the city eco-friendly but also pedestrian-friendly, catering to the needs of differently-abled individuals.
Ekta Nagar’s remarkable transformation from a sleepy village to a bustling tourist destination is a testament to the power of visionary development and its impact on local communities. The Statue of Unity has not only changed the landscape but also the lives of the people of this region, offering new opportunities and a brighter future. As it continues to evolve, Ekta Nagar stands as a symbol of unity, progress, and sustainable development in India.
